News about agriculture in New York State and information farmers and consumers can use in their daily lives.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Cuomo Unveils Next Phase of State Fairgrounds Improvements

Gondola proposed for linking fairgrounds to amphitheater

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Jan. 23 announced Phase Two of the historic
redesign and transformation of the New York State Fairgrounds and
endorsed the State Fair Task Force recommendation to expand the fair to
13 Days in 2017.

Phase Two of the capital program to develop the fair
into a year-round destination includes $50 million to develop an
80,000-square-foot, multi-use Exposition Center and an aerial gondola to
connect visitors to the fairgrounds and Onondaga County’s Lakeview
Amphitheater.

In addition, a $20 million investment from the Upstate
Revitalization Initiative will allow for the construction of a new
on-ramp to I-690 West and other improvements to the Orange parking lot,
while other fair enhancements will include constructing a new Aerial Sky
Ride and offering new, diverse events to attract visitors year-round.
“By reimagining one of New York’s historic and beloved traditions, the
first phase of our revitalization has already transformed the New York
State Fair experience, strengthening a prized tourism destination in
Central New York and generating record-breaking attendance in 2016,” Cuomo said.

“I
look forward to continuing the State Fair’s momentum with Phase Two and
the additional $70 million in investments to get it done. I thank the
Task Force members for their quick work and smart recommendations for
this next phase. The new State Fair will bring exciting shows, artisans,
concerts, and local food and beverages to visitors from across the
state and the nation year-round for generations to come.”

A poster of other events planned for the fairgrounds

In November 2016, Cuomo appointed a State Fair “Phase Two” Task Force of 21 local officials and industry
leaders, co-chaired by State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner
Richard Ball and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney.

The Task
Force was charged with developing new innovative ideas that would build
upon the Phase One improvements debuted at the 2016 State Fair and they
provided their recommendations to the governor at the end of 2016.
Taking into full consideration input from the State Fair Task Force,
the governor proposed in his Executive Budget $50 million for two
transformational capital projects that will compliment and expand upon
the work advanced in 2016.Phase Two Investments Include:

$35
million to construct a multi-use, 80,000 square-foot hybrid building
and Expo Center that will be available year-round for local, regional
and statewide events to secure the fairground’s role as a premier
year-round destination in Central New York.

$15
million to build an aerial gondola to transport visitors and
concertgoers from the fairgrounds to Onondaga County’s Lakeview
Amphitheater and the Loop the Lake Trail, creating an entirely new fair
experience in the sky.

$20
million through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative to construct a
new on-ramp to I-690 West and other improvements to the Orange parking
lot, to allow for easier parking, travel and less congestion during the
annual state fair and other large events throughout the year.

In addition to these recommendations, the annual fair, which has
historically run 12 days, will be extended to 13 days allowing
additional time for visitors to enjoy New York’s world-class food and
beverages, agriculture, arts, shows, concerts, and more. In
2017, the fair will also add a new premier attraction to the Midway, the
Aerial Sky Ride, which will debut opening day of the fair Aug. 23.

The Sky Ride will be built, operated and maintained by Wade Shows
Inc. and will feature at least 100 double-passenger seats, giving
fairgoers an unmatched view of Syracuse and the surrounding area while
ferrying above the fairgrounds expanded Midway.

Additionally, as a direct result of the state’s investments to improve
and expand the fair, new events have already committed to the
fairgrounds to offer more entertainment year-round.

Right Coast Inc.,
promoter of the PPG Syracuse Nationals, will bring three brand new
events to the New York State Fairgrounds in 2017, including Syracuse
SnowCross, Kawasaki Syracuse StadiumCross and the Syracuse Man Show.